The Main Points to Know about USA ESTA

To facilitate the entry of foreign travelers in the United States and enhance the local security at the same time, the American government delivers the Electronic System for Travel Authorization or ESTA. But not everyone planning to go to the USA can apply for it, only nationals of the countries that benefit from the Visa Waiver Program. Other conditions are also to be met in order to obtain the USA ESTA.

How to Get an USA ESTA?

Obtaining this travel authorization is not complicated. You just need to go to the official website of the American government to fill out the form. It is advisable to do it 72 hours before departure. The answer is very often immediate but sometimes, it can take 3 days.  As you can see on travel-authorization.co.uk, the USA ESTA form consists of a series of questions that have to be correctly answered online.

However, it should not be forgotten that each person entering the territory, even a baby, must complete one form. To make it easier for concerned travelers, many companies on the internet offer to fill out this form via their services. The price is higher, but they can also answer to all of the questions you have about your trip and the formalities to be followed. The travel authorization remains valid for two years.

USA ESTA Is Not a Visa

It is a certificate of prior travel authorization. Therefore the Department of Homeland Security recommends that travelers receive their ESTA clearances at least 72 hours before departure. Applicants from an eligible country must meet the following conditions:

• Being a national of a country benefiting from the VWP.
• Each stay cannot last more than 3 months.
• Possessing a valid passport.
• Using an airline or shipping company recognized by the USA government and having a round-trip ticket, or showing the final destination in case the United States is a place of transit

When Should You Renew your USA ESTA Application?

The renewal of the travel authorization request must be made when it has expired. The validity date is always mentioned on your ESTA so that you can take the necessary steps in due course. It is also essential to start the renewal procedure when you need to modify your personal data like your name. You are also required to apply for a new ESTA when you change your passport. This is mandatory even if the validity date of the electronic travel authorization is still valid because these two travel documents must coordinate perfectly.